Eusebius: Ecclesiastical History, Books I–X

NPNF historical edition · Translated text

Book IV — Chapter XXV — Philip and Modestus.

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Chapter XXV.—Philip and Modestus.

Philip who, as we learn from the words of Dionysius, ^[1] was bishop of the parish of Gortyna, likewise wrote a most elaborate work against Marcion, ^[2] as did also Irenæus ^[3] and Modestus. ^[4] The last named has exposed the error of the man more clearly than the rest to the view of all. There are a number of others also whose works are still presented by a great many of the brethren.

Edition notes

These belong to the translator or historical editor, not to the ancient author.

Edition note 1

See above, chap. 23, §5.

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Edition note 2

Philip’s work against Marcion which Eusebius mentions here is no longer extant, and, so far as the writer knows, is mentioned by no other Father except Jerome ( de vir. ill. 30), who tells us only what Eusebius records here, using, however, the adjective præclarum for Eusebius’ σπουδαιότατον

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Edition note 3

On Irenæus, see above, chap. 21, note 9.

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Edition note 4

Modestus, also, is a writer known to us only from Eusebius (here, and in chap. 21) and from Jerome ( de vir. ill. 32). According to the latter, the work against Marcion was still extant in his day, but he gives us no description of it. He adds, however, that a number of spurious works ascribed to Modestus were in circulation at that time ( Feruntur sub nomine ejus et alia syntagmata, sed ab eruditis quasi ψευδόγραφα repudiantur ). Neither these nor the genuine works are now extant, so far as we know.

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